Polyembryony, characterized by the formation of multiple embryos within a single seed, and apomixis, a seed production process involving asexual embryos, are reproductive strategies that may confer adaptive advantages to plants, particularly in disturbed environments. This study evaluated the occurrence and association of these traits in the Cerrado, a megadiverse Neotropical savanna region in central Brazil. We analyzed data from the literature (125 species) and new records (91 species), counting embryos and emerging seedlings per seed to evaluate the presence and number of polyembryonic seeds. Plants were classified as monoembryonic or polyembryonic, and thresholds were established to distinguish between low and high polyembryony. Breeding systems were examined to establish the relationship between polyembryony and apomixis, and the origin of extranumerary embryos was investigated, whenever possible, using literature sources. Phylogenetic signals and evolutionary transitions for both traits were also assessed. Polyembryony was observed in one-third of the studied species (72/216), with widely variable polyembryonic seed percentages (PSPs) and percentages of seeds with extranumerary seedlings (PSES). Polyembryony ≥ 5
Primate populations isolated in forest fragments within urban areas often face critical survival challenges due to the negative effects of habitat degradation on genetic diversity, evolutionary potential, and ecological dynamics. The Arc of Deforestation has the highest deforestation rates in the Brazilian Amazon, driven primarily by growth of monocultures, ranching, and urbanisation. However, there are no published studies on urban primate demography and genetic diversity in this region. The range of the white-cheeked spider monkey (Ateles marginatus) overlaps significantly with the Arc of Deforestation, where anthropogenic pressures threaten its long-term survival. We assessed the genetic diversity and structure of A. marginatus from five urban forest fragments in Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil, by analysing the mitochondrial control region (D-loop). We also compared our data with publicly available Ateles D-loop sequences. Results showed that the study population has high levels of genetic diversity and no signs of spatial substructuring. The haplotype network and phylogenetic tree showed one individual identified as A. marginatus clustered with Genbank sequences of A. chamek, a congeneric species expected only on the opposite bank of the Teles Pires-Tapajós River. Historical demographic analysis showed population expansion between 22–20 kybp, followed by population decline at 10–2 kybp. Recent population fragmentation was probably accompanied by local haplotype extinctions in the study area. Our findings show that urban primate populations can retain genetic diversity and significant evolutionary potential for conservation management and suggest that Amazonian rivers may be more a filter than barrier for Atelid species, allowing the sporadic crossing of individuals.
Polymorphism is the exciting feature of compounds existing in different crystalline forms. The present research is focused on the two polymorphic forms, 3A and 3B, of (E)-1-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(naphthalen-1-yl)prop-2-en-1-one obtained by the Claisen-Schmidt condensation reaction of 1-(3-hydroxyphenyl)ethan-1-one and 1-naphthaldehyde. Both polymorphic forms were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) analysis. The supramolecular assemblies of these polymorphic forms were found to be stabilized by various intermolecular interactions as revealed by the Hirshfeld surface analysis. The interaction energy calculations were carried out at the B3LYP/6-31G(d, p) level to further investigate the supramolecular assembly of these polymorphs. Moreover, antifungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities of these polymorphs were investigated, showing reasonable and slightly different potential of both polymorphs in these areas. Also, density functional theory (DFT) study of both polymorphs was performed, using the B3LYP-GD3/6-311 + + G(d, p) approach, with the analysis of Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) charges and donor-acceptor interactions, frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), molecular electrostatic potentials (MEP), non-covalent interactions (NCI), Laplacian bond orders, localized orbital locator (LOL), and global reactivity parameters (GRPs). The obtained results provided support for the SC-XRD and Hirshfeld surface analysis results. Next, the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and NCI analyses of the 3A and 3B crystal structures fragments provided strong support for the existence of off-set π ⋯ π stacking interactions and C-H⋯π interactions and hydrogen bonds in the 3A and 3B crystal structures.
Mercury (Hg), a highly toxic metal, continues to be widely used in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), particularly in the Amazon region. Its improper use and disposal contribute to the contamination of aquatic ecosystems, impacting fish and the human populations that rely on them for food. This study evaluated mercury contamination, measuring total mercury (THg) in the Peixoto de Azevedo River Basin, located in the southern Brazilian Legal Amazon, by analyzing scale, skin, muscle, and liver tissues of Prochilodus nigricans, a key species in the local diet. Mercury was detected in all tissues and across all river stretches, with higher levels observed near mining sites, suggesting the association between ASGM and environmental contamination. The liver showed the highest THg levels (1.581 mg kg⁻1), followed by scales (0.537 mg kg⁻1), skin (0.153 mg kg⁻1), and muscle (0.087 mg kg⁻1). The results obtained for scales indicate their potential as a bioindicator matrix, allowing the use of less invasive sampling approaches for the species. Although muscle THg levels were below the FAO legal threshold (0.5 mg kg⁻1), the estimated health risk (THQ > 1) suggests potential harm to riverine populations due to high fish consumption. These findings underscore the urgent need for continuous monitoring and effective mitigation strategies to protect both aquatic ecosystems and public health in ASGM-affected regions.
Pyralids (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) are a widely distributed group of insects whose species cause substantial economic losses in agricultural crops and stored products worldwide. Sex pheromones play a central role in pest monitoring by enabling species-specific behavioral responses and supporting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of pheromones for monitoring pyralid species based on field studies published between 1970 and 2023. Literature searches were conducted in the Scopus and Web of Science databases using the descriptors “Pyralidae” and “pheromone,” resulting in the inclusion of 42 independent studies. The selected studies evaluated synthetic sex pheromones under field conditions, primarily comparing their performance with natural lures such as virgin females. Most publications were concentrated in the 1980s, with Japan and the United States accounting for the highest number of studies. A total of 38 pyralid species were analyzed, with monitoring-based field experiments and binary formulations representing the predominant methodological approaches. The meta-analysis revealed: (i) a high diversity of sex pheromonal compounds, predominantly acetates and aldehydes; (ii) the sharing of pheromone components among related species, suggesting a partially conserved chemical communication system; and (iii) a consistent performance of synthetic pheromones across studies, with low heterogeneity among effect sizes (I2 = 13.6
